Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), initiated plans on June 9 to abstain from submitting a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet during the current Diet session. This decision followed Ishiba's willingness to meet with opposition leaders to discuss Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations, both before and after the upcoming Group of Seven summit in Canada. Noda seemingly assessed that pressing for a no-confidence motion was no longer warranted.
Under the current political landscape, a successful no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives could force Prime Minister Ishiba to resign or dissolve the lower chamber, triggering a snap election. The Ishiba administration had previously deterred the opposition by hinting at a lower house dissolution if a no-confidence motion was filed.
Noda had previously stated his intention to consult with other opposition parties before submitting a no-confidence bill. However, Seiji Maehara of the Japan Innovation Party and Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People expressed reservations about the idea.
The decision also appeared influenced by the lack of consensus among opposition parties on key issues, such as selecting a new prime minister if the Cabinet resigned, and potential cooperation during the upcoming upper house election.
According to a senior CDP official, Noda emphasized his commitment to acting "at the right time and in an appropriate manner" during a party executive board meeting. The CDP had previously considered submitting a no-confidence motion if the government shelved a pension system reform bill. However, the CDP ultimately reached an agreement with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner on a revised bill.
Another senior CDP official stated that Noda never intended to submit a no-confidence motion in the first place.
Regarding the requested meeting between ruling and opposition party leaders, LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama announced that Ishiba would provide explanations on June 12 before the G7 summit and suggested a follow-up meeting upon his return. Noda expressed his appreciation for the efforts made to arrange the meeting. He reiterated his goal of achieving a change of government in the next House of Representatives election, adding that a double election was not necessarily being assumed.
Despite Noda's decision, strong voices within the CDP advocated for submitting a no-confidence bill to demonstrate the party's opposition to the Ishiba administration before the upper house election.
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